Backgroud and Objectives : Nasal irrigation, a conventional therapy for both surgical and
nonsurgical patients with a history of chronic rhinosinusitis, aids in the clearance of secretions,
debris, and intranasal crusts. This is important in the postoperative period to reduce the risk of
adhesions and to promote ostiomeatal patency. The objective of this study was to compare the
effects of a long-term nasal irrigation with hypertonic saline (3.0%) versus isotonic saline (0.9%)
in the normal and postoperative group.
Materials and Methods : We studied the transit time of nasal mucociliary clearance with a
saccharine test. In the normal control group I (n = 20), the mean transit times (MTTs) were
measured before and after the irrigation with atomized saline of 0.9%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%
concentrations. In the normal control group II (n = 19), MTTs were measured before and after the
atomized 0.9%, 3% saline irrigation for two months. In the postoperative group (n = 10), MTTs
were measured after the irrigation with saline of 0.9%(right nasal cavity) & 3% (left nasal cavity)
for one month. The symptom scores about nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea and the amount of nasal
lavage contents were recorded daily.
Results : In the normal control group I, MTT of 3% saline irrigation was significantly shortened
than those of isotonic and other hypertonic saline irrigation. In the normal control group II, MTT
of 3% saline irrigation was gradually and significantly shortened compared with those of isotonic
saline for two months. In the postoperative group, 3% saline irrigation had a significantly shorter
MTT for one month and had a significantly more nasal lavage contents during lst week than
isotonic saline irrigation.
Conclusion : A 3% hypertonic saline would be useful as a long-term nasal washing solution in
both surgical and non-surgical patients with a history of chronic rhinosinusitis.
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